Intercessory Prayer — the Work of the Church
Jesus disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. He gave them a form of prayer often called the "Lord's Prayer" or the "Our Father." This was a pattern for prayer. He said: "When you pray, pray like this." He didn't say to memorize this prayer and say it as fast as you can.
The prayer begins by honoring God the Father. We say His name is holy. Then we pray that His kingdom will be established and that His will should be carried out on earth as is the case in heaven. We ask that our daily needs be met and we acknowledge His Word is part of our daily bread. We ask for forgiveness and for the grace to forgive others.
Jesus also said that we should not pray like the pharisees who make long prayers to be heard in public. We should not pray like the hypocrites do. In fact, we should not have a long list of things to bring before God. He knows our needs before we ask. What He is really looking for is fellowship with us.
That is why the Apostle Paul wrote that we should pray without ceasing. We should have continual fellowship with the Father through the curtain opened up for us by the blood of Jesus. If we understand our birthright as Christians then we will spend time with the Father. His Spirit will inform our prayers. We will not need our lists. We will pray as the Spirit of God directs.
We should pray believing until God gives us a release. We ought to be willing to tarry in prayer. And before we pray, if we have anything against a brother, we must be reconciled insofar as we are concerned.
True intercessory prayer comes from spending time with God and listening to His voice. Then we are able to pray using His words. Our prayers become prophecy. We pray the words of God. His words are powerful and creative. They make things happen, but only according to His will. "Name it and claim it" belongs to the false "prosperity gospel." Part of the reason we need a revival in America is because of some of this false preaching and teaching in the church.
Lastly we need to pray fervently and not lose heart. You remember the parable of the unjust judge. If he would bring justice because of the widow's insistence, would not a just God answer our prayers as well? God wants to move on behalf of America. He requires our prayers. We need to acknowledge Him.
"The effectual fervent prayers of a righteous person availeth much." (James 5:16)
See Intercession.